Your Library Wrapped: Top Borrowed Titles of 2024

A stack of colourful library books on a table

As we bid goodbye to 2024 and enter into a bold new 2025, it's always intriguing to look back at highlights and favourites of the past 12 months. It's a way to take stock of what we loved, what was on our minds, and what might be percolating in pop culture as we embark on another journey around the sun.

“As we venture into 2025, it is the perfect time to reflect on the topics and themes that inspired our community’s reading lists in 2024,” said Chrissy Hodgins, Cambridge Public Library CEO.

Top Adult Fiction for 2024

In 2024's list of the top adult fiction titles, you'll recognize perennial favourites such as Linwood Barclay, Kristin Hannah, James Patterson, and David Baldacci. There are also strong showings from authors who started out in self-publishing, then hit it big with bestselling titles and movie adaptations, such as Colleen Hoover and Frieda McFadden.

Stories of suspense are most prominent on the list, but historical fiction, contemporary romance, and romantasy (a subgenre blending romance and fantasy elements) were also red-hot in 2024, with many titles gaining buzz through book influencers on TikTok and other social media platforms.

The Women, by Kristin Hannah
I Will Ruin You, by Linwood Barclay
This Summer will be Different, by Carley Fortune
The Housemaid, by Frieda McFadden
Iron Flame, by Rebecca Yarros
It Ends With Us, by Colleen Hoover
None of This is True, by Lisa Jewell
Crosshairs, by James Patterson and James O. Born
The Phoenix Crown, by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang
A Calamity of Souls, by David Baldacci

Top Adult Non-Fiction for 2024

Top non-fiction titles for adults in 2024 frequently involved the topics of building effective routines, seeking longevity, and improving finances, with an occasional biography or title related to current events thrown in for good measure. In 2024, it seems we were all striving to "live long and prosper".

Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life, by Hector Garcia and Francesc Mirailles
Atomic Habits: Tiny changes, remarkable results... by James Clear
The Mountain is You: Transforming self-sabotage into self-mastery, by Brianna Wiest
My Effin' Life, by Geddy Lee
The Art Thief: A true story of love, crime, and a dangerous obsession, by Michael Finkel
The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A history of settler colonialism and resistance, 1917-2017, by Rashid Khalidi
Closer Together: Knowing ourselves, loving each other, by Sophie Gregoire Trudeau
Outlive: The science & art of longevity, by Peter Attia, MD, with Bill Gifford
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: With updates for today's world..., by Robert T. Kiyosaki
The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness, by Morgan Housel

Top DVDs for 2024

Finally, the top DVDs of 2024 repeated the infamous "Barb-enheimer" of the 2023 cinema box office, with Oppenheimer and Barbie taking the top two spots for most popular movies to borrow.

Aside from blockbusters and sleeper hits, the hit animation series Bluey makes a not-so surprising appearance on list, as the family show has been extremely popular this year.